Historic Preservation
“Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings.”
– Jane Jacobs
Urban thinker and advocate Jane Jacobs championed cities that were layered, resilient, and alive. Central to her vision were historic buildings shaped by time, craftsmanship, and use. Their materials and details were not obstacles to progress, but essential contributors to it.
That perspective continues to guide historic preservation today, and certainly serves to guide the architectural preservationists at Farnsworth Group. Historic buildings anchor communities. They provide continuity, character, and a tangible connection to the past while offering meaningful opportunities for renewal and reinvention. When thoughtfully restored or adapted to new uses, these places continue to enhance civic, cultural, and economic life rather than being frozen in time.
Markets
- Adaptive Reuse
- Historic Planning & Regulations
- Historic Rehabilitation
- Landmarking Consultation
Our Approach
The historic preservation specialists at Farnsworth Group bring a deep respect for these environments and the responsibility they carry. Some projects require meticulous attention to original materials, proportions, and construction techniques to restore historic character with care and precision. Others challenge us to adapt long‑vacant or underused buildings for new purposes while preserving the qualities that give them meaning. Often, the most successful work lies in balancing both. Preservation is not about choosing between past and present, but about allowing historic places to evolve while maintaining their integrity. Our work integrates technical rigor, regulatory knowledge, and design judgment to support that balance.
Our Experience
Farnsworth Group has completed significant historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects for individual properties and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as those designated under local landmark ordinances. Our experience includes buildings of civic, cultural, industrial, and architectural significance, many of which continue to serve active roles within their communities. This work has been recognized with honors including a Landmarks Illinois Preservation Award for the adaptive reuse of a historic cooperage warehouse; a Missouri Preservation Award for the rehabilitation of Thunderbird Lodge; and a Peoria Historical Society Award for the decorative re‑lighting of the iconic Murray Baker Bridge. Each project reinforces a simple belief: when historic places are thoughtfully preserved and reimagined, they continue to shape vibrant communities for generations to come.
